nnUS Senator Marco Rubio characterized India’s Russian oil imports as a ‘point of irritation’ in bilateral relations during a Fox News Radio interview. His comments follow President Trump’s threat to impose 25% tariffs plus penalties on Indian goods over the purchases. India has dramatically increased Russian oil imports from 3% in 2021 to 35-40% of total imports in 2024, citing the need for affordable energy. Rubio acknowledged India as a strategic partner but warned the oil purchases indirectly fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. The statement comes amid reports that Indian state refiners recently halted some Russian crude purchases due to reduced discounts.